Alan Arenius, 1961-2007

Friend to many of us Alan Arenius passed away saturday, from melanoma that spread quickly through his body.

Alan was in his 40s and this is a terrible loss. He was a brilliant actor and creative genius, a gentle soul who struggled for years with madness, isolation, alcohol and poverty.

His life also soared to amazing heights. He was a very talented actor who toured with the legendary anarchist communal theater company Living Theater in Europe, and performed in The Laramie Project in Northampton. Alan deserved better than these last years, which were so painful for him.

He was born in Springfield, MA June 11,1961 to Alfred A. Arenius, Sr., and the late Marjorie C. Arenius. He was predeceased in 1975 by his sister Marilyn Arenius. He is survived by two sisters, Claire J. Arenius of Shutesbury, MA, and Nancy J. Arenius of Marietta, GA.

He graduated from Longmeadow High School in 1979, and the University of Massachusetts at Amherst in 1983.

He lived in New York City, where he studied acting and performed with The Living Theater, as well as performing improvisational music, in the 1980s and 1990s. He spent the rest of his life in Northampton where he continued to act.

Services will be held on Wed, Jan 31st at 2 p.m. at the Edwards Church, 297 Main Street, Northampton. A reception will follow, at a location to be announced. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Alan to the VNA and Hospice of Cooley Dickinson, 168 Industrial Dr., Northampton, or the American Cancer Society.